Written by Hollie Williams, founder of Lawoofs of Devon
Love where you live
We love Devon, and feel so blessed to have miles of public footpaths, from coast to country, to explore to our hearts content.
Whether you prefer a short stroll, a scenic run, or an invigorating hike with your furry friend, Devon really is the place to be and has something for everyone.
Remember where you are
It's often easy to forget when you're strolling through the countryside, filling your lungs with crisp, fresh air, and letting nature reset your stress levels back to zero, that much of this land is farmland.
Those undulating fields and fragrant wildflower hedgerows have been lovingly maintained, ploughed, planted and picked for a living.
A muddy field that looks empty to the naked eye, has likely already been planted. Tiny little sprouting crops just making thier way to the surface are vulnerable to damage under exploring feet and paws.
How can you help?
There are a few simple things you can do to help keep the crops and animals safe, while you enjoy the beauty of the countryside -
- Stick to the footpaths
- Close gates behind you
- Keep dogs on leads around farm animals
- Leave everything as you found it, take your litter home with you
- Pick up after your dog and dispose of it in a designated bin, bag it and bin it
- Don't light fires and BBQ's
We think everyone should get out there and explore all the beauty and wonder Devon has to offer, just remember to have respect for The Countryside Code so that it can continue to be enjoyed by everyone for years to come.